Best Surround Sound Systems — The Set-Ups We Think Sound (and Look) Brilliant

The best surround sound systems can enhance your home cinema experience by adding an extra dimension to how you watch TV and movies. In combination with a great TV, they can elevate the audio for everything from action movies and sports to your favorite tunes and podcasts.

As any film buff or avid gamer will tell you, the visual experience is only half the story with surround sound. A great sound system is essential to perfect your home cinema experience, especially when going to the movies is not an option and more and more films are being streamed at home.

The world of surround sound has seen significant changes in recent years. The clutter of cables, speakers, and stands has been replaced by much tidier single-unit soundbars that sit underneath our TVs and enhance what the slim flat screens can't do.

When creating this surround sound system buying guide, we have aimed to test as many products as possible personally. When that's not feasible, we rely on feedback from our team of experts, third-party reviews, and industry figures. For products that don't warrant standalone reviews, we include mini-reviews within the buying guide. Our expertise in design also informs our tech and smart home guides, ensuring you can find the perfect products without sacrificing style. Head to our 'about us' page to learn more.

Below are some of the best options for surround sound. If you're unsure whether you need multiple speakers, consider our guide to the best soundbars.

The quick list

The best surround sound systems we recommend in 2024

Best wireless surround sound system

After testing the Sony HT-A9 Home Theater System, our reviewer has concluded it's a worthwhile investment for audiophiles who want high-quality sound without a complicated setup, despite its $2,000 price tag. The system boasts a sleek design and 360-degree Spatial Sound effect that immerses you in your content, and while you'll need space to mount or place the speakers and enough power sockets, the audio quality is unbeatable, supporting advanced formats like 8K and Dolby Atmos.

Design: If you're considering the HT-A9, be prepared for some big speakers. They stand just over a foot tall and weigh 6 lbs each, so they won't exactly blend into their surroundings. However, their modern cylindrical design and textured plastic finish make them attractive in their own right, and the perforated metal grilles add a nice touch.

The base station is compact and has a small but efficient display of key status information. However, if you don't use the included wall-mounting brackets, you may have difficulty finding a place to put the speakers, as each speaker needs its dedicated power input.

Audio: The powerful speakers contain four drivers, including woofers, tweeters, and upward-firing drivers. The '360 Spatial Sound' feature uses audio trickery and algorithms to mimic 12 'phantom speakers' around the room, creating an immersive environment.

We're pleased that the system's sound reproduction is almost cinema-level, with deep and powerful bass tones, clear and unmuddied treble, and crisp, full, and balanced mid-tones. Music sounds spectacular, thanks to the DSEE Extreme audio upscaling technology, which improves the fidelity of compressed audio files.

Features: The HT-A9 system supports 8K HDR content and Dolby Vision, making it a great choice for those needing a fully-fledged home cinema audio system. However, the base station has only one HDMI input, which may be limiting for those with a range of external sources. The system also supports Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi streaming and can be controlled through Google Assistant.

Read our full Sony HT-A9 Home Theater System review

Best budget home theater system

True surround sound systems are fantastic for boosting your home theater experience, but building one can be expensive. If you want something that will deliver results immediately without needing to add rear speakers and more later, this offering from Klipsch is one to consider.

The speaker set comprises six speakers, including one center channel, four additional speakers to place around your space, and a wireless subwoofer. Moreover, you have the flexibility to customize the placement of the speakers according to your preferences.

Design: Klipsch speakers' spun copper design is immediately eye-catching and iconic. The great thing about a set like this is that you can get the high-end look any audiophile dreams of without overcrowding your space. The minimal footprint is on purpose, of course, and makes this even more of a good deal.

Audio: Getting technical for a moment, the Klipsch system utilizes lightweight Injection Molded Graphite woofers, capable of providing a low-frequency response with less distortion. The Linear Travel Suspension tweeter further reduces distortion, delivering detailed, enhanced performance. The Tractrix Horn Technology and aluminum tweeters provide a high-end response, producing a clean, natural sound.

Features: The Klipsch HT50 starter pack is an affordable solution that delivers fantastic sound quality without breaking the bank. However, it lacks Bluetooth connectivity and compatibility with smart home systems like Google Assistant and Alexa. Nevertheless, users who don't need these features will appreciate the system's value for money and the excellent audio output.

Best LG home theater system

Despite its somewhat basic design and higher price point, the revamped LG S95QR soundbar package impressed our reviewer with rear speakers that have been boosted to the next level, resulting in a more immersive film-viewing experience that will enhance anything you enjoy watching.

However, it's worth noting that this sound system might not be the best choice if you have a small living room due to its required space. If you're looking for a sound system with a glossy chrome finish, you may also want to look elsewhere. That said, if you're more concerned with performance than aesthetics, the soundbar supports a range of input sources, including Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect, as well as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi streaming.

Design: The S95QR comes in a charcoal grey, blocky finish, which may not be the most stylish option on the market, especially considering its price point. Unlike many competitors, the soundbar favors function over form, with generic-looking rear speakers and a subwoofer that doesn't scream high-end.

The soundbar is also exceptionally wide, so measuring your TV unit or stand is essential before ordering. One bonus is that the soundbar has a matte finish rather than gloss, so it won't show every fingerprint.

Audio: Cinema mode enhances the explosions and bass in action movies, while its clear voice mode makes it easier to hear dialogue. The sports, games, and bass blast settings are also available. The speaker system is perfect for streaming music from a phone, as it has a music mode to enhance the quality of songs.

LG has improved the rear speakers, including side-firing drivers and a new apex design that spreads the sound more evenly. According to LG, the system also boasts an upward-firing center channel - a world first. However, it's worth noting that the rear speakers can only be purchased as part of a package and not separately.

Features: Alexa and Google Assistant can be accessed through the system, although the remote is quick and easy to use.

Read our full LG S95QR Surround Soundbar review

Best 5.1 home theater system

The Monoprice SB-600 may not have all the bells and whistles of more high-end home cinema audio systems, but it still delivers impressive performance for its price. With a simple setup and effective sound quality, our tester called it a great option for those who don't want to break the bank. While the range of inputs could be improved, and the surround sound units could have a little more weight, the overall experience is still enjoyable.

Design: The units themselves have a pleasingly understated design with rounded lines. Although the materials aren't the highest quality, they don't feel flimsy. The soundbar is attractive, blending effortlessly with your living room without interfering with the TV's aesthetic. It features physical buttons for volume and input source selection, a power switch, and a dot-matrix display to display key information.

The subwoofer, however, is quite large and squat. It's best to tuck it away beside the couch or entertainment center, as it's over 16 inches tall. The surround sound units, however, are small and unassuming.

Audio: This system's sound quality is reasonable. The bass from the subwoofer is deep and punchy, while the soundbar offers a decent amount of volume and clarity, particularly with voices and mid-tones. Dolby Atmos support provides an immersive experience with compatible media, making movie-watching an absolute treat. Treble can sometimes be muddy, but it's easy to forgive. The system is well-suited for music and can provide room-filling sound for parties or the soundtrack for more intimate evenings like dinner parties.

Features: The SB-600 sound system has a convenient, no-frills approach that makes setup quick and easy. Its user-friendly, pocket-sized remote control features just a handful of buttons for essential functions. However, the buttons' lack of backlighting can irritate in low-light conditions.

The system offers four EQ modes, including voice, sport, music, and movie, as well as the ability to adjust bass and treble. While the surround sound is not very powerful, the ability to individually adjust the volume is appreciated. Some users may experience intermittent static pops due to wired connection interference.

Read our full Monoprice SB-600 Soundbar System review

Most versatile surround sound system

Despite its bulky appearance, this JBL Bar 800 delivers an excellent audio experience that's hard to beat - putting it in second place on our list. As our reviewer discovered, with its ability to connect with smart devices, this soundbar is perfect for households with multiple devices, allowing everyone to enjoy their favorite content, whether TV, music, or games. Compared to older, more cumbersome sound systems, the JBL Bar 800 is a modern option that provides an immersive cinema experience thanks to its detachable speakers and Dolby Atmos sound technology.

Design: The soundbar and subwoofer's design may not be the most impressive aspect of these units, especially considering their price range. They have a simple plastic look that doesn't match some competitor soundbars' sleek, glossy finishes or unique textures.

However, the overall look can be more harmonious if you have a large TV unit or mount the soundbar to the wall. The detachable speakers also offer extra flexibility, allowing you to reduce the soundbar's size for everyday use. While the unit is packed with smart features, there are still a few buttons on the surface for easy access to turning it on, switching between sound sources, or adjusting the volume.

Audio: Setup was incredibly easy, and it connected almost instantly. As soon as we turned it on, we could immediately tell the difference in sound quality. The drums in an adventure movie trailer were much more intense and impactful, and the voices were clear and harmonious with the bass. Even during the most dramatic moments in a movie, the heavy bass didn't overwhelm any music or speech.

Features: If you want to fine-tune the bass level, you have two options. Either use the remote control to adjust it manually, with the soundbar displaying levels between 1 and 5, or access the app. The difference between the first few levels might not be too noticeable, but there's a significant leap between 4 and 5. More subtle controls would have been welcome, however.

Although the sound quality is already impressive, calibration is recommended to achieve optimal settings for your room. The included remote control and quick setup guide make this process pretty easy, and the soundbar automatically adjusts to your environment with just a few clicks.

Read our full JBL Bar 800 review

Best Sonos surround sound bundle

Sonos' compact soundbar offers exceptional audio quality, and the Sonos app and Trueplay make it easy to customize your experience. While it may not have as many output choices as other options, adding two extra channels and Dolby Atmos certainly make up for it.

The design has also been improved, making it a sleek addition to any home entertainment setup. It may be a bit pricier than the original model, but the upgraded experience is worth the investment - especially when you throw in additional surround sound speakers.

Design: The second-generation Sonos Beam boasts a plastic grille that maintains the sleek style of its predecessor. We prefer to place the soundbar in front of the TV, but mounting it might be the better option to avoid unsightly cables. You can use the Sonos Beam Wall Mount kit, which isn't included, or read our guide on mounting a soundbar.

The matte finish on top looks great from afar, but it's prone to fingerprints when using the physical controls. Nonetheless, the Gen 2 Beam is the same size and weight as its predecessor, so there's no significant difference in build.

Audio: This is an impressive speaker that offers exceptional audio quality. The compact size belies its impressive features, which include five Class-D digital amplifiers, four elliptical mid-woofers, a center tweeter, and three passive radiators. The HRTF (head-related transfer function) adds an extra dimension to the sound by creating the illusion of height.

While it lacks dedicated upward-firing drivers, the Sonos Beam can still function as a standalone sound system - hence its inclusion in this guide. Sonos makes it easy to expand the system with additional units, including surround speakers and the best subwoofers.

Features: Trueplay is a fun process that involves walking around your room with your phone to tune the sound to your space. While we didn't notice a huge difference in sound quality, it's a feature not offered by many other systems.

The Beam offers exceptional sound quality for music and movies, enhancing the on-screen action while maintaining dialogue clarity. However, I did experience occasional disconnections when using my TV remote control to adjust the volume, requiring manual adjustments using the touch controls.

How to choose the best surround sound system

When picking the best surround sound system for your needs, there are several things to consider. Chief among those is placement – do you have much room beneath your TV? And how about behind your sofa? Is there room to set up the rear sound channels and plug sockets to power them? 

If so, any of the picks above will suit your needs. If not, you might want to focus on the single-bar solutions up top, which virtualize the surround sound elements by bouncing audio off your viewing room's walls. Of course, mileage will vary depending on the uniformity of the space (a lovely square room usually works best). Still, all the systems above have intelligent ways of tricking your ears into thinking sound is coming from around you.

Perhaps equally worth consideration is the broader feature set. If you're planning on playing lots of music through the soundbar, a built-in voice assistant, like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, might be helpful. You can speak to the speaker to command it to play your favorite tunes at a whim.

Also, think about the TV you're pairing it with – not just whether it'll obscure the screen, but also what connection you'll need. True audiophiles will be looking for HDMI connections with an eARC feature that lets your cables deliver uncompressed multi-channel audio, giving you pristine sound from all directions.

What is the best surround sound system?

Speaker systems come in all shapes and sizes for all different types of rooms. Suppose you’re feeling flush with cash and have the space to indulge your cinematic delights to the nth degree. In that case, you could consider something like the Sony HTA9 Home Theater System, but the mess of cables, space required, and sheer expense means it's not suitable for everyone.

Instead, you can get great, cinema-like results with a great soundbar and wireless speaker combo like some of the above sets. We love the Samsung HW-Q950T Soundbar System or the JBL 9.1-Channel Soundbar System if you want something even more soundbar-like. 

How we test the best surround sound systems

All recommendations we give our readers on products like the surround sound systems on this list are based on hands-on experience and industry knowledge. We endeavor to test and review everything we include in our buying guides, but unfortunately, this is not always possible.

We will mark within the content where we have had this real-world experience with links to in-depth reviews. For more, see our article on how we create our buying guides.

This list's surround sound systems are tested at home and ranked based on their ease of use, expense, versatility, and sound quality. We noted how simple they were to set up and use and how well they fit into the existing home environment. This is why products are trialed in the writers' own homes rather than a lab environment, to ensure that promises made by the manufacturers translate to the average home environment.

Adam Shepherd

Adam is a tech journalist with extensive experience in covering the latest in devices, networking, and gadgets across various trade shows and conferences. He's passionate about building the ultimate home cinema system and making his home as smart as possible. He tested and reviewed the Sony HT-A9 Home Theater System and Monoprice SB-600 Dolby Atmos 5.1.2 soundbar for this guide.

Jen Thomas

As a freelance journalist for 20 years and presenter for Magic Radio, Jen is well-versed in home theater audio. She covers devices from record players to soundbars like the LG S95QR for Livingetc, testing them in her home.